Liquid drain structure for hide processing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A liquid drain structure is disclosed for apparatus for processing animal hides and comprises an elongated conduit in a spiral within a treatment zone of a rotated inclined drum and a perforated wall defining a lower chamber within the drum for receiving liquid from the conduit and a pump for removing liquid from the lower chamber.

United States Patent Lyon [ 1 May2, 1972 [54} LIQUID DRAIN STRUCTURE FOR HIDE PROCESSING APPARATUS [72] Inventor: Lee R. Lyon, 800 North Atlantic St., Mission Hills, Kans.

v[22] Filed: Feb. 16, 1971 [21] Appl. N0.: 115,322

[52] 0.8. CI ..69/30 [51] Int. Cl ..Cl4c 15/00 [58] Field of Search ..69/ 30, 3 l

[5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,370,285 2/1945 Beecle et a] ..69/30 X 2,397,268 3/1946 Jorgenson et al. ..69/3O X 3,466,904 9/ 1969 I-Iuni 3,5l8,849 7/l970 Eggleston ..69/30 Primary Examiner-Alfred R. Guest Attorney-Fishbum, Gold & Litman [5 7] ABSTRACT A liquid drain structure is disclosed for apparatus for processing animal hides and comprises an elongated conduit in a spiral within a treatment zone of a rotated inclined drum and a perforated wall defining a lower chamber within the drum for receiving liquid from the conduit and a pump for removing liquid from the lower chamber.

8 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PATENTEDMAY 2 I972 3, 659 A40 I NVEN TOR.

Lee R. Lyon ATTORNEYS LIQUID DRAIN STRUCTURE FOR HIDE PROCESSING APPARATUS it has been found that processing liquids are extremely slow to drain from prior art hide processing apparatus, for example, a structure substantially as shown and described in US. Pat. No. 3,518,849, issued July 7, 1970 to William S. Eggleston and that if the hide processing apparatus is stopped during draining of liquid therefrom, the hides cover the drain openings and drainage stops almost completely within a minute or two. Even with the drum being rotated, the hides cover openings and drainage is slow.

Perforated false bottoms have been secured within the drum of such prior art hide processing apparatus to form a lower chamber and a treatment zone with flow of liquids therefrom into the lower chamber for removal therefrom by a siphon pump. However, in the processing, the hides become extremely flacid and pliable and close or block the perforations through the false bottom thereby substantially increasing the time required for drainage, particularly as the load in the treatment zone is increased. The slow drainage results while the drum is rotated and drainage stops if the drum rotation is stopped.

Many attempts have been made to increase the capacity of such prior art hide processing apparatus including increasing the diameter of the drum and increasing the length of the drum, however, increasing the diameter decreases the mixing action and increasing the drum length effects a covering of the perforated false bottom with hides which cover the drainage holes thus causing extremely slow liquid drainage. In some instances, the drainage holes in prior art structures have been covered by hides and the drainage so slow that the stock spoiled before there was sufficient drainage to proceed to the next processing step. Increasing the angle of incline of the drum also effects a covering of the perforated false bottom with liquid and hides with the associated slow drainage. Size increases of the drum also require special facilities for treatment to protect surfaces contacted by the processing liquids and thereby substantially increases the cost thereof.

The present invention relates to apparatus for processing animal hides and more particularly to a liquid drain structure for such apparatus.

The principal objects of the present invention are: to provide an improved liquiddrain structure for an apparatus for processing animal hides to be cured, unhaired, converted to leather or otherwise treated, wherein the improved liquid drain structure permits more rapidly draining of processing liquids from the apparatus thereby permitting quicker introduction of a new liquid thereinto and a reduction in processing time; to provide such an improved liquid drain structure which is operative to increase the capacity of the hide processing apparatus by effecting faster drainage of liquids therefrom; to provide such a liquid drain structure operative to effect substantially continuous drainage of liquids after a perforated false bottom is completely covered with hides being processed; to provide such a structure which at all times has drainage openings at the surface of the liquid communicating through flow ducts to removal space for drainage of the apparatus at selected periods; to provide such a liquid drain structure in the form of a perforated duct extending substantially the entire length of the drum and communicating with a liquid receiving chamber and arranged in a spiral pattern to have a portion of the duct continually at liquid level where drainage can occur without blockage by hides being processed; and to provide such a liquid drain structure which is easily installed in an apparatus for processing animal hides, durable in construction, resistant to processing fluids, and particularly well adapted for the proposed use.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a prior art apparatus for processing animal hides, such as shown and described in US. Pat. No. 3,518,849, issued July 7, 1970 to William S. Eggleston.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus for processing animal hides modified to have a liquid drain structure mounted therein and embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view through the hide processing apparatus taken on line 3-3, FIG. 2, and showing a perforated liquid flow duct for draining a hide processing chamber.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing components forming the perforated duct.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

As required, detailed embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which may be embodied in many forms that may be radically different from the illustrative embodiments presented herein, therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims actually defining the scope of this invention. In this regard it is to be recognized that liquid drain structures in accordance herewith may be embodied in various forms having lower liquid receiving chambers positioned adjacent hide processing chambers and perforated duets with openings providing drainage at the liquid surface at all times for flowing of liquid from the processing chamber or treatment zone to the lower liquid receiving chamber for removal therefrom. However, the disclosure hereof is presented only as representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriate detailed structure.

The reference numeral 1 generally designates a liquid drain structure for a hide processing apparatus 2 which is operative to quickly drain processing liquids from the apparatus 2 to thereby increase the capacity of said apparatus 2 in both amount of hides processed per load and number of loads processed in a certain time period.

The apparatus 2 has an elongated hide treatment zone 3 defined by an elongated substantially irnperforate cylindrical walled drum 4 mounted for rotation about an axis inclined from the horizontal at a predetermined angle and with the drum 4 being closed at a lower end 5 and having an opening 6 at an upper end and at least one and preferably a pair of spiral fins 7 and 8 amxed to a cylindrical wall 9 and extending inwardly therefrom and extending throughout substantially the entire length of the drum 4 and drive means 10 for rotating the drum 4 in a direction to move the spiral fins 7 and 8 through the lower extent of the treatment zone 3 with a relative motion having downward, axial, and transverse components.

The processing apparatus 2 has a perforated wall member 11 mounted transversely of the drum 4 and spaced from the lower end 5 thereof to define a lower liquid receiving chamber 12 therebetween with the portion of the drum 4 between the perforated wall member 11 and the upper end of the drum 4 being the treatment zone 3. In processing of hides with liquid in the drum, the hida press against the wall 11 and close the openings 11' therein preventing flow of liquid from the treatment zone 3 to the chamber 12. Also the hides tend to press against walls and parts of the drum below the liquid level and interfere with drain tubes or the like placed therein, as in prior art apparatus.

The liquid drain structure includes one or more drain ducts or flow ways extending longitudinally and around the drum and having liquid entrance openings spaced therealong whereby there are such openings at the surface level of the liquids at all times from full to empty condition. In the structure illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4 inclusive, a perforated duct or conduit 14 extends substantially the entire length of the drum 4 and is arranged in a spiral pattern therein and communicates with the lower liquid receiving chamber 12 for conveying liquids thereto during rotation of the drum 4 and pump means 15 communicate with the liquid receiving chamber 12 for selectively efiecting removal of liquid therefrom thereby permitting substantially continuous drainage of liquid through the conduit or duct 14 and into the lower liquid receiving chamber 12 for removal by the pump means 15.

in the illustrated structure, a perforated duct or conduit 14 is mounted on at least one and preferably both of the spiral fins 7 and 8 and extends substantially the entire length of the respective fin or fins. Each of the spiral fins 7 and 8 has a wall member 16 extending from the mixing side thereof and spaced from and substantially parallel with the cylindrical wall 9 of the drum 4 and each of the spiral fins 7 and 8 has a plurality of longitudinally spaced perforations or apertures 17 therein with the perforations or apertures 17 being positioned between the .cylinder wall 9 and the wall member 16 extending from the respective spiral fin.

The wall member 16 extends from a mixing side of the respective spiral fin 7 and 8, more particularly the side of the fins 7 and 8 moved into liquid within the drum 4 and the side engaging the hides to, agitate same. The perforated conduit 14 includes a perforated wall member 18 having liquid entrance openings along the length thereof and mounted in spaced relation with the respective spiral'fins 7 and 8 and having edge portions thereof connected to the cylindrical wall 9 and the wall member 16 of the respective spiral fins to define the perforated conduit 14 therebetween. The conduit has an end adjacent the wall 11 that aligns with openings 14' in the wall 11 providing communication from the duct to the chamber 12. The conduit 14 terminates above a maximum liquid level in the treatment zone 3 and the liquid entrance openings communicate the treatment zone 3 with the interior of the conduit 14 whereby liquid in the treatment zone 3 flows into the conduit 14 and to the lower chamber 12 for removal from the drum 4. The end of the wall 18 is shown contacting the wall 11, however, there may be small spacing therefrom that still prevent hides from entering therebetween.

The illustrated connection of the perforated wall member 18 to the walls 9 and 16 includes connection members 19 and 20 respectively preferably in the form of continuous angles each having one leg or flange connected to and supported on the respective wall 9 and 16 by suitable fastening members, such as screws 21 and 22 respectively, and the other leg thereof secured to the perforated wall member 18, as by welding or suitable fastening members, such as bolts or screws 23.

It is desirable that the fins 7 and 8, wall member 16 thereof, perforated wall member 18, and connection members 19 and 20, wall 9, and wall member 11, be resistant to chemical effects of the processing fluids, therefore, said members are coated with a suitably resistant material, such as polyvinylchloride.

The pump means 15 communicates with the lower liquid receiving chamber 12 and is operative at any selected time and during rotation of the drum 4 for removing liquid therefrom and is illustrated as a siphon pump journaled in the lower end and having a depending conduit 24 having an opening in a lower end 25 thereof positioned within the lower liquid receiving chamber 12 and having the lower end 25 spaced from the cylinder wall 9 adjacent the lowest position thereof. Operation of the pumping means is effective to speed the transition from one processing stage to the next and aids in the controlled disposal of efiluents or used processing liquids and maintains a substantially continuous drainage of liquid from the hide treatment zone 3 and the lower liquid receiving chamber 12.

The spiral pattern of the perforated conduit 14 mounted on the spiral fins 7 and 8 is efiective to always have a portion of the perforated conduits 14 continually at liquid level where drainage can occur without blockage by hides being processed within the treatment zone 3, particularly when the hides cover and block the perforations in the wall member 11, whereby the only liquid flowing into the lower liquid receiving chamber 12 is through the perforated conduits 14.

It is to be understood that while I have illustrated and described one form of my invention, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In apparatus for processing animal hides to be cured, unhaired, converted to leather or otherwise treated and having an elongated irnperforate cylindrical walled drum mounted for rotation about an axis inclined from the horizontal, said drum having a closed lower end and an opening at the upper end, and a spiral fin fixed to the wall and extending inwardly therefrom to convey hides downwardly and work the hides in a body of liquids in the drum as the drum is rotated, a liquid drain structure comprising:

a. a perforated wall transversely of said drum and secured thereto, said perforated wall being spaced from the lower end and defining a lower chamber therebetween the portion of the drum between the perforated wall and the upper end being a treatment zone;

b. means defining a conduit having communication with said lower chamber and extending therefrom in a spiral adjacent the drum wall and terminating above a maximum liquid level in the treatment zone, said conduit having liquid entrance openings along the length thereof thereby communicating the treatment zone with the interior of the conduit; and

c. means communicating with said lower chamber and operative at any selected time and during rotation of the drum for removing liquid from the lower chamber whereby liquid in the treatment zone flows into the conduit and to the lower chamber for removal from the drum.

2. A liquid drain structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conduit is mounted on the spiral fin and extends substantially the entire length of said fin.

3. A liquid drain structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conduit defining means includes:

a. a plurality of longitudinally spaced perforations in said spiral fin;

b. a wall member extending from said spiral fin and spaced from and substantially parallel with the cylinder wall; and

c. a perforated wall member spaced from said spiral fin and having edge portions thereof connected to the cylinder wall and the wall member of said spiral fin to define said conduit.

4. A liquid drain structure as set forth in claim 2 wherein:

a. said spiral fin has a plurality of longitudinally spaced perforations therein;

b. said spiral fin has a wall member extending therefrom and spaced from and substantially parallel with the cylinder wall;

c. said perforations in said spiral fin are positioned between the cylinder wall and the wall member extending from said spiral fin; and

d. a perforated wall member is spaced from said spiral fin and has edge portions thereof connected to the cylinder wall and the wall member on said spiral fin to define said conduit.

5. A liquid drain structure as set fourth in claim 1 wherein said conduit defining means includes:

a. a plurality of longitudinally spaced perforations in said spiral fin;

b. a wall member extending from said spiral fin and spaced from and substantially parallel with the cylinder wall, said wall member extending from the mixing side of said spiral fin; and

c. a perforated wall member spaced from said spiral fin and having edge portions thereof connected to the cylinder wall and the wall member on said spiral fin to define said conduit.

6. A liquid drain structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conduit is mounted on a mixing side of the spiral fin and extends substantially the entire length of said fin.

7. A liquid drain structure as set forth in claim 6 wherein:

a. said spiral fin has a plurality of longitudinally spaced perforations therein;

b. said spiral fin has a wall member extending therefrom and spaced from and substantially parallel with the cylinder wall, said wall member extending from the mixing side of said spiral fin;

c. said perforations in said spiral fin are positioned between the cylinder wall and the wall member extending from said spiral fin; and

d. a perforated wall member is spaced from the mixing side of said spiral fin and has edge portions thereof connected to the cylinder wall and the wall member on said spiral fin to define said conduit.

8. In apparatus for processing animal hides to be cured, unhaired, converted to leather or otherwise treated and having an elongated imperforate walled drum mounted for rotation about an axis inclined from the horizontal, said drum having a closed lower end and an opening at the upper end, and means fixed to the wall and extending inwardly therefrom to convey hides downwardly and work the hides in a body of liquids in the drum as the drum is rotated, a liquid drain structure comprising:

a. a wall means in said drum defining a liquid receiving chamber adjacent to the lower end thereof, the portion of the drum between said wall means and the upper end of the drum being a treatment zone;

b. means defining a conduit having communication with means communicating with said lower liquid receiving chamber and operative at any selected time for removing liquid from said liquid receiving chamber whereby liquid in the treatment zone flows into the conduit from ad jacent the liquid surface and to said liquid receiving chamber for removal from the drum. 

1. In apparatus for processing animal hides to be cured, unhaired, converted to leather or otherwise treated and having an elongated imperforate cylindrical walled drum mounted for rotation about an axis inclined from the horizontal, said drum having a closed lower end and an opening at the upper end, and a spiral fin fixed to the wall and extending inwardly therefrom to convey hides downwardly and work the hides in a body of liquids in the drum as the drum is rotated, a liquid drain structure comprising: a. a perforated wall transversely of said drum and secured thereto, said perforated wall being spaced from the lower end and defining a lower chamber therebetween the portion of the drum between the perforated wall and the upper end being a treatment zone; b. means defining a conduit having communication with said lower chamber and extending therefrom in a spiral adjacent the drum wall and terminating above a maximum liquid level in the treatment zone, said conduit having liquid entrance openings along the length thereof thereby communicating the treatment zone with the interior of the conduit; and c. means communicating with said lower chamber and operative at any selected time and during rotation of the drum for removing liquid from the lower chamber whereby liquid in the treatment zone flows into the conduit and to the lower chamber for removal from the drum.
 2. A liquid drain structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conduit is mounted on the spiral fin and extends substantially the entire length of said fin.
 3. A liquid drain structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conduit defining means includes: a. a plurality of longitudinally spaced perforations in said spiral fin; b. a wall member extending from said spiral fin and spaced from and substantially parallel with the cylinder wall; and c. a perforated wall member spaced from said spiral fin and having edge portions thereof connected to the cylinder wall and the wall member of said spiral fin to define said conduit.
 4. A liquid drain structure as set forth in claim 2 wherein: a. said spiral fin has a plurality of longitudinally spaced perforations therein; b. said spiral fin has a wall member extending therefrom and spaced from and substantially parallel with the cylinder wall; c. said perforations in said spiral fin are positioned between the cylinder wall and the wall member extending from said spiral fin; and d. a perforated wall member is spaced from said spiral fIn and has edge portions thereof connected to the cylinder wall and the wall member on said spiral fin to define said conduit.
 5. A liquid drain structure as set fourth in claim 1 wherein said conduit defining means includes: a. a plurality of longitudinally spaced perforations in said spiral fin; b. a wall member extending from said spiral fin and spaced from and substantially parallel with the cylinder wall, said wall member extending from the mixing side of said spiral fin; and c. a perforated wall member spaced from said spiral fin and having edge portions thereof connected to the cylinder wall and the wall member on said spiral fin to define said conduit.
 6. A liquid drain structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conduit is mounted on a mixing side of the spiral fin and extends substantially the entire length of said fin.
 7. A liquid drain structure as set forth in claim 6 wherein: a. said spiral fin has a plurality of longitudinally spaced perforations therein; b. said spiral fin has a wall member extending therefrom and spaced from and substantially parallel with the cylinder wall, said wall member extending from the mixing side of said spiral fin; c. said perforations in said spiral fin are positioned between the cylinder wall and the wall member extending from said spiral fin; and d. a perforated wall member is spaced from the mixing side of said spiral fin and has edge portions thereof connected to the cylinder wall and the wall member on said spiral fin to define said conduit.
 8. In apparatus for processing animal hides to be cured, unhaired, converted to leather or otherwise treated and having an elongated imperforate walled drum mounted for rotation about an axis inclined from the horizontal, said drum having a closed lower end and an opening at the upper end, and means fixed to the wall and extending inwardly therefrom to convey hides downwardly and work the hides in a body of liquids in the drum as the drum is rotated, a liquid drain structure comprising: a. a wall means in said drum defining a liquid receiving chamber adjacent to the lower end thereof, the portion of the drum between said wall means and the upper end of the drum being a treatment zone; b. means defining a conduit having communication with said lower liquid receiving chamber and extending therefrom longitudinally and around the treatment zone and terminating adjacent the upper end of the drum above a maximum liquid level in the treatment zone, said conduit having liquid entrance openings along the length thereof communicating the interior of the conduit with the surface level of liquid in the treatment zone at all liquid levels; and c. means communicating with said lower liquid receiving chamber and operative at any selected time for removing liquid from said liquid receiving chamber whereby liquid in the treatment zone flows into the conduit from adjacent the liquid surface and to said liquid receiving chamber for removal from the drum. 